iVillage.com: Boost Your Metabolism Without Really Trying

Eat Pineapple

“Pineapple contains bromelain which is used by gastroenterologists to treat gastrointestinal disorders…it’s that good!” says Dan Hamner, M.D., a sports medicine and rehabilitation doctor in New York City. Bromelain helps the pancreatic cells break down food substances so that they can enter the energy pathways. In case you were wondering, pina coladas don’t count.

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“Pineapple contains bromelain which is used by gastroenterologists to treat gastrointestinal disorders…it’s that good!” says Dan Hamner, M.D., a sports medicine and rehabilitation doctor in New York City. Bromelain helps the pancreatic cells break down food substances so that they can enter the energy pathways. In case you were wondering, pina coladas don’t count.

If you’re not completely sold on the farmers markets yet, here’s another argument for you: “Research shows that dieters with higher levels of pesticide chemicals stored in their fat cells had reduced metabolism,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of "A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness." “It appears the toxins in non-organic food can cause your body to store fat rather than metabolize it.” So if you don’t want to carry last night’s dinner around your thighs, your best bet is to stick with organic fruits and vegetables.

A spot of tea may be a smart move when it comes to slimming down. “The catechins -- a chemical found in green tea -- help speed up metabolism and reduce body mass index,” says Mark Anderson, M.D., co-author of "Stay Young: 10 Proven Steps to Ultimate Health." “As an added benefit, some studies show that green tea lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.”

Here’s a different way to shake off the pounds. “If you take a cold shower it will cause you to shiver, which will increase your metabolism thanks to the muscles contracting,” says Dr. Alan Hirsch, Founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago and author of "What’s Your Food Sign?" “It's the body trying to reestablish homeostasis.” In other words your body is trying to get back to its normal temperature.

This one is a bit of a party pooper, but too many fun nights out may put the damper on your metabolism. “Research shows that consuming the equivalent of just two mixed drinks -- or two glasses of wine or two bottles of beer -- reduces fat burning metabolism by 73 percent,” says Lombardo. “That's because your liver converts the alcohol into acetate and uses that as fuel, rather than your fat storage.” And of course you already know that the extra calories from imbibing add up as well. So, drink responsibly.

Citrus and peppermint (or anything else with that aroma) stimulate the nervous system which in turn ups your metabolism, says Hirsch. Apparently, smelling buttered popcorn and strawberries while exercising will help you burn more calories too. Not sure how to accomplish that while on the treadmill but if you figure it out, your metabolism will be through the roof!

Water is essential to your body’s functioning, including carrying nutrients to your cells. “Studies have shown that people who drank 8-12 full glasses of water daily had higher metabolic rates than those who drank only four glasses,” says Lombardo. “Drinking cold water may be even better for your metabolism since your body burns a few extra calories heating the cold water to your core temperature.” In addition, dehydration is often misinterpreted as hunger, causing people to eat more. By staying hydrated, you'll probably eat less.

If it makes your eyes water, it’s probably going to burn calories as well, “Because [spicy foods] increase the heart rate, more energy is used when these foods are ingested, which in turn means more calories burned,” says Gaman.